The Iowa Department of Transportation will begin issuing driver’s licenses (DLs) and nonoperator’s identification cards (IDs) that are REAL ID approved on Jan. 15, 2013. A REAL ID-approved document is a valid form of federally issued identification, such as a U.S. passport book or card. It may be required in the future for entering certain buildings or boarding planes.

A REAL ID-approved document is a state-issued DL or nonoperator ID card that meets the federal standards for physical security and verification of identity and legal presence in the United States. A REAL ID-approved document is also a valid form of federally issued identification, such as a U.S. passport book or card.

What will a REAL ID-approved document look like?

In Iowa, a REAL ID DL or nonoperator ID card will look nearly identical to a standard DL or nonoperator ID card. It will be made of the same material and contain the same advanced security features. The only difference will be a star verification mark appearing in the upper right-hand corner of the card. The star indicates to federal screening officials that the person’s identity has been verified according to the latest federal standards.

Do you need a REAL ID-approved DL or nonoperator ID card?

A new applicant for an Iowa DL or nonoperator ID is already required to present the documents necessary to obtain a REAL ID- approved card; and will be automatically issued a REAL ID-approved document with the star verification mark upon successful completion of the application process.

Existing Iowa DL or nonoperator ID cardholders are not required to get a REAL ID-approved card, but may apply for one if needed.

In the future, a REAL ID-approved card may be needed for certain federal purposes – specifically, to board a plane, enter a federal building that requires identification to enter, or enter a nuclear power plant. If you don’t plan to do any of these activities, or will do so infrequently, you may decide you don’t need a REAL ID-approved card.

You do not need a REAL ID-approved DL or nonoperator ID if you have another form of federally approved identification. Valid U.S. passport books and cards, as well as other forms of federally issued identification, are accepted forms of identification for all of the REAL ID purposes.

When should you apply for a REAL ID-approved document?

The Iowa DOT will begin issuing REAL ID-approved documents Jan. 15, 2013, but there is no need to rush out to get one.The federal compliance date varies according to your birth date.

If you were born after Dec. 1, 1964, your federal compliance date is Dec. 1, 2014. Beginning Dec. 1, 2014, federal officials may ask you for REAL ID-approved identification when boarding aircraft, entering federal facilities that require ID to enter and entering nuclear power plants.

Page 2 of 2 - If you were born on or before Dec. 1, 1964, your federal compliance date is not until Dec. 1, 2017.

How do you apply for a REAL ID-approved document?

Applying for a REAL ID-approved DL or nonoperator ID is just like applying for a new card. You must present documents that establish your identity and date of birth, Social Security number, residency and residential address, any name changes, and fact that you are lawfully in the United States.

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve held an Iowa DL or nonoperator ID, every applicant for a REAL ID-approved card must provide these documents. However, you do not have to take a drive test or knowledge test, unless you need one for another reason.

To help applicants identify and gather the required documents, use the Iowa DOT’s Web application –“Prepare for Success.”

Is there an added cost for a REAL ID-approved document?

There is no additional fee charged to get an Iowa REAL ID-approved DL or nonoperator ID. If you are applying for your first Iowa DL or nonoperator ID or renewing one, you will be charged the same standard fee. However, if you want a REAL ID-approved card before your next renewal, you will be required to pay a $1 duplicate fee.

Remember, there is no reason to rush out to get a REAL ID-approved DL or nonoperator ID. The first federal card screening process does not start until Dec. 1, 2014.

For more information:

Log on to Iowa DOT’s REAL ID website at http://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/realid/faq.html.